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Artist News Legal
Police investigation into allegations against Cliff Richard has “increased significantly”
By Chris Cooke | Published on Thursday 26 February 2015
The police inquiry into the historical sex offence allegations made against Cliff Richard has “increased significantly in size” and now involves “more than one allegation”, according to a letter from South Yorkshire Police’s chief constable.
The letter from Chief Constable David Crompton was sent to Labour MP Keith Vaz earlier this week, Vaz leading parliament’s Home Affairs Select Committee. That committee has been critical of the police’s investigation into the claims against Richard, both over the deal done with the BBC that meant the broadcaster had its cameras ready when police searched the singer’s home last August, and the time it is now taking to assess whether there is a case to pursue.
Explaining why that hadn’t yet been possible, Crompton wrote in his letter: “This is an investigation which has increased significantly in size since its inception. Sir Cliff Richard’s lawyers are aware that there is more than one allegation. It would be premature and potentially misleading to predict a likely date when it will be concluded, however, we are progressing as swiftly as possible”.
Although Richard has been questioned about the allegations, he has not been arrested or charged. Commenting on the latest developments, the singer called all and any allegations against him “absurd and untrue”, adding: “The police have not disclosed details to me. I have never, in my life, assaulted anyone and I remain confident that the truth will prevail. I have cooperated fully with the police, and will, of course, continue to do so”.
